The school was founded in 1883 when the Parish leased the Temperance Hall in Splatt St (now Roberts Ave) for use as a school. It was led by a staff of lay teachers. Since 1884, Ss Michael & John’s Primary School has operated in a variety of buildings, including the parish church, but always on the current site. The Brigidine Sisters assumed responsibility for the school between 1920 and 1990.  St Brigid’s College also operated here from its founding in 1920 until 1968.

The former Brigidine Convent was incorporated into the school facilities housing classrooms and administration until 2009 when the building was demolished.

In 2010, Ss Michael and John’s was delighted to complete a major building and redevelopment program.  A brand new school building incorporating all learning areas, an administration wing and staff area was constructed.

In 2021, Ss Michael & John’s Primary School governance model changed from the parish to the Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited (DOBCEL).

Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited (DOBCEL)

Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited (DOBCEL) is the company established by Bishop Paul Bird to become the governing body for schools in the Ballarat Diocese.

DOBCEL was established to fulfill the following objectives:

• To ensure consistency and professionalism of governance for parish schools.
• To ensure the continued pastoral ministry of priests in parish schools.
• To allow the ongoing engagement of parish and local communities.
• To ensure effective and transparent stewardship of education resources.
• To allow the Diocese of Ballarat to address Recommendation 16.6 of the Royal Commission (that parish priests are not the employers of principals and teachers in Catholic schools).
• To allow Catholic education authorities to meet the Victorian Government’s requirement for organisations that receive government funding (including schools) to be governed by incorporated legal entities.

For further information about DOBCEL, click here.